Statements on the Arrival of the Year 1398

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

O Turner of hearts and sights, O Manager of night and day, O Transformer of years and conditions, transform our state to the best state.

I thank God for allowing me to congratulate the dear nation of Iran on this year's Nowruz, which coincides with the blessed birth of the Commander of the Faithful and the Master of the Pious. Happy New Year to you, dear compatriots! I hope all of you will spend this new year with happiness, good health, and increasing material and spiritual successes, God willing. I extend special congratulations to the esteemed families of martyrs and to the dear disabled veterans and their families, and I send abundant greetings to the pure soul of Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified) and the pure souls of the martyrs.

We have passed through a year full of events. In this past year, the Iranian nation truly shone. The enemies had plotted, they had plans for the Iranian nation. The steadfastness of the nation, the insight of the nation, and the determination of the youth thwarted the enemies' plans. In the face of the severe sanctions, which they themselves claim are unprecedented from America and Europe, the Iranian nation demonstrated a strong and powerful reaction both politically and economically.

In the political arena, the manifestation of this reaction was the massive rally of the 22nd of Bahman and the people's stances throughout the months of this year. The manifestation of the economic confrontation was the increase in scientific and technical innovations, a significant rise in knowledge-based companies, and an increase in domestic foundational and essential productions, including the recent inaugurations of multiple phases of gas in the south of the country and the inauguration of the large refinery in Bandar Abbas, among other such works. Therefore, the nation was able to show its power, its grandeur, and its dignity in the face of the enemies' malice, and the honor of our nation, the honor of our revolution, and the honor of our Islamic Republic system, thanks be to God, increased.

The fundamental problem of the country remains the economic issue; especially in recent months, the people's livelihood problems have increased. Part of these issues is related to inadequate management in economic matters, which must certainly be addressed. There are programs and measures that have been devised so that, God willing, these measures will bear fruit throughout this current year, the year that begins from this moment — the year 1398 — and the people will feel the effects of it. What I am saying is that the immediate issue of the country, the serious issue of the country, and the priority of the country at present is the issue of 'economy.' In the economic issue, we have many matters: the discussion of the depreciation of the national currency is an important issue, the issue of people's purchasing power is likewise, the problem of factories and the underperformance and sometimes closure of some factories are among these issues. These are problems. What I have studied and gathered from experts indicates that the key to all of this is 'the development of national production.'

We declared the year 1397 as the year of 'supporting Iranian goods.' I cannot say that this slogan was fully realized, but I can say that this slogan was widely regarded and, in many cases, it was welcomed and acted upon by the people, and this will certainly have an impact. This year, the issue of 'production' is on the agenda. I want to place the issue of production as the axis of activity. I will explain what I mean by production, God willing, in my speech on the first day of the year. If production gets underway, it can solve livelihood problems, ensure the country's independence from foreigners and enemies, address the employment issue, and even alleviate the problem of the national currency's value to a large extent. Therefore, the issue of production, in my view, is the central issue of this year; thus, I have set the slogan for this year as: 'Revitalization of Production.' Everyone must strive to ensure that production flourishes in the country. From the beginning of the year to the end of the year, God willing, this meaning should be significantly felt in the country. If this happens, we hope that, God willing, the resolution of the economic problem will commence.

I extend my heartfelt greetings and salutations to the presence of the Awaited Savior (may our souls be sacrificed for him) and I beseech his prayers for you, dear nation, and I pray for the prosperity of the Iranian nation and all nations that honor Nowruz from the Almighty God.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.